Catalytic Formation of Carbon–Carbon Bonds by Activation of Carbon–Hydrogen Bonds

The direct functionalization of C–H bonds by formation of a C–C bond is an interesting and important alternative to coupling reactions involving halide derivatives. These reactions are complex but during the past few years a number of new systems have been developed which display promising scope. This microreview will briefly mention the different mechanisms leading to C–H activation and describe the new systems leading to the catalytic formation of carbon–carbon bonds.